In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, it's all too easy to become disconnected from nature.

Yet, a burgeoning body of scientific research is illuminating the profound health benefits of reconnecting with the Earth's natural electromagnetic frequencies, a practice known as grounding or earthing.

Grounding mats provide a convenient means to access these benefits from the comfort of your home or office. In this article, I will guide you through the best grounding mats available in 2024, delve into the science underpinning grounding, discuss the mechanics of grounding mats, and introduce various types of grounding mats, including grounding keyboards, feet mats, and mattress covers.

While the main goal of this is to give practical options for grounding while deskbound, the best way to ground is the real deal – bare skin to bare earth - so I'll also share tips on how to practice earthing or grounding naturally by immersing yourself in the Earth's energy.

The Best Grounding Mats – Our Top Picks

Best Overall: Hooga Grounding Mat

Best Runner-Up: Large Grounding Mat

Best For Workspace: Universal Earthing Pad

Best Meditation: Earthing Meditation Pad

Best Mattress Cover: Clint Obers Earthing Sheet

The Science Behind Grounding

Grounding, or earthing, is founded on the notion that direct physical contact with the Earth's surface can help balance the body's electrical charge and offer a wide range of health benefits. A multitude of scientific studies supports the concept of grounding:

1. Inflammation Reduction: One study published in the Journal of Inflammation Research (Chevalier et al., 2015) found that grounding significantly reduced chronic inflammation, which is intricately linked to various chronic diseases.

2. Enhanced Sleep: Research published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (Ghaly & Teplitz, 2004) indicates that grounding may lead to improved sleep quality and fewer sleep disturbances.

3. Stress Alleviation: A study featured in the European Journal of Integrative Medicine (Ober et al., 2015) demonstrated that grounding can effectively reduce stress levels and enhance overall well-being.

4. Electromagnetic Field (EMF) Protection: Grounding may serve as a protective measure against the potential adverse effects of electromagnetic fields (EMFs). An article in the Journal of Environmental and Public Health (Oschman et al., 2015) explores the possible role of grounding in EMF protection.

How Grounding Mats Work

Grounding mats are ingeniously designed to re-establish the natural electrical connection between your body and the Earth. Here's a closer look at how they operate: 

• Conductive Materials: Grounding mats are typically crafted from conductive materials such as carbon or silver. These materials facilitate the unimpeded flow of electrons, enabling the seamless transfer of electrons between your body and the Earth.

• Grounding Cord: A grounding cord serves as the conduit linking the mat to the Earth's surface, usually through the ground port of an electrical outlet. This configuration ensures a safe and efficient grounding connection.

• Physical Contact: As you come into contact with the grounding mat, your body absorbs electrons from the Earth's surface, assisting in the restoration of your body's electrical equilibrium.

Types of Grounding Mats

1. Feet Mats:

• Benefits: These mats are thoughtfully designed to be placed beneath your desk or workstation, allowing you to ground yourself while working or using electronic devices.

• Best for: Ideal for individuals who spend extensive hours at a desk or in front of computer screens.

2. Grounding Keyboards:

• Benefits: Grounding keyboards ingeniously incorporate grounding technology into your computer keyboard, offering continuous grounding while you type.

• Best for: Suitable for those seeking to seamlessly integrate grounding into their daily computer use.

3. Mattress Covers:

• Benefits: These covers are akin to fitted sheets and snugly fit over your mattress, affording you the opportunity to ground your entire body during restorative slumber.

• Best for: Perfect for individuals desiring the advantages of grounding throughout the entire night.

The Best Grounding Mats in 2024

Grounding mats come in various designs and functionalities, catering to different needs. Here are five options for the best grounding and earthing mats in 2024:

Best Overall: Hooga Grounding Mat

Features: Versatile and easy to use, this mat can be placed under your feet or utilised as a desk mat while working in your home or office. Perfect size for the feet while still large enough to act as a small sitting mat for meditation.

The Hooga Grounding mat is made from black PU leather and comes in size 24’ 16” (60cm x 40cm) and comes with a 15ft (38cm) grounding wire to connect into the electrical outlet on the wall.

Price: $93AUD

Warranty: 3 years

Best Runner-Up: Large Grounding Mat

Features: A large sized PU leather grounding mat designed for convenient grounding large enough for the whole body. This grounding mat is ideal size for those looking for a full-sized earthing or grounding mat big enough for practicing movement on including yoga pilates.

Price: $55AUD

Warranty: 1 year

Best For Workspace: Universal Earthing Pad

Features: The Universal earthing pad is ideal for placing under your workspace as either a keyboard earthing pad or a feet earthing pad. The size is large enough to cover a standard sized small desk space or sit just under your desk to rest the feet on for an effective grounding tool. The Universal earthing pad is 39” x 11” (99cm x 28cm) and includes a 15ft grounding cord.

Price: $62AUD

Warranty: 1 year

Best Meditation: Earthing Meditation Pad

Features: Designed for meditation and mindfulness practices, the Earthing Meditation Pad is the ideal size for a seated earthing pad allowing you to habit stack, combining the practices of mediation and earthing. This is also a great mat to drape over your chair or seat in your office for continual grounding while working. The Earthing mediation pad is 35.4” x 23” (90cm x 58cm) and is easy to fold up and pack away for home storage.

Price: $104AUD

Warranty: 1 year

Best Mattress Cover: Clint Obers Earthing Sheet

Features: One of the best periods aside from the working day to use a grounding mat is during sleep. The Clint Ober Earthing Sheet allows you to achieve grounding during your entire night sleep, fitting under your sheets directly on top of your mattress using elastic straps. Grounding appears to improve sleep quality according to research, having the effect of “normalizing the day–night cortisol rhythm, reduce pain, reduce stress, shift the autonomic nervous system from sympathetic toward parasympathetic activation, increase heart rate variability, speed wound healing, and reduce blood viscosity”.

The Clint Obers earthing sheets can be purchased for single size or queen variation grounding sheets and this one comes in the size 27” x 84” (68cm x 213cm).

Price: $494AUD

Warranty: 3 years

My Experience with Grounding Mats

For the past two years, I've been working from home, which has definitely encouraged me to incorporate wellness tool like grounding mats into my daily routine, that is, as a tool to offset being inside. Of course, I always favour getting outdoors, in the sun, with bare feet on the earth, but grounding mats are the ideal solution when this can’t be achieved.

Initially when I came across things like grounding mats and acupressure mats (yes the spiky ones that look like a mini bed of nails), I was skeptical, but the evidence of our need as humans to connect to the earth for optimal health is well known. 

Something I’ve experienced has been less aches and pains in the body from standing at the desk for long periods in the day. Despite using a Sit Stand Desk, I find that with limited connection to the ground, the body does not respond well, but something as simple as a grounding mat makes all the difference.  

The Hooga Earthing Mat has become an essential part of my work setup. I place it under my keyboard and mouse, ensuring that I'm grounded while I work. I've noticed a significant reduction in the usual afternoon energy slump, and I no longer experience the stiffness and discomfort in my neck and shoulders that were all too familiar before.

Additionally, I've integrated the use of a BioEnergy Products Grounded Standing Desk Mat for the times I prefer to work standing. It has made a noticeable difference in my focus and productivity. I find myself more engaged and less fatigued during long video conferences and project deadlines.

In the evening, I transition to my Earthing Sheet, which I place directly on top of the mattress which fits over the mattres much like a fitted sheet. It's become part of my winding-down routine. I read, meditate, or simply relax with my feet resting on the mat. This grounding ritual has improved the quality of my sleep, and I wake up feeling more refreshed and energised.

Natural Grounding Tips

While grounding mats provide a convenient way to connect with the Earth's energy, there are natural ways to practice earthing or grounding:

1. Walk Barefoot on Earth: Take the opportunity to walk barefoot on natural surfaces like grass, sand, or soil. This direct contact with the Earth allows you to absorb its electrons naturally.

2. Gardening: Engaging in gardening activities, such as planting, weeding, or simply sitting with your hands in the soil, offers an excellent opportunity for grounding.

3. Outdoor Activities: Participate in outdoor pursuits like hiking, camping, or picnicking, where you can establish direct contact with the Earth.

4. Beach Visits: Spending time at the beach not only offers relaxation but also a chance to connect with the Earth's energy through the sand and water.

5. Grounded Meditation: Practice mindfulness and meditation while sitting or lying on the Earth. This can enhance your grounding experience.

Grounding FAQs

How long should I use a grounding mat?

The optimal duration of grounding, also known as earthing, can vary significantly among individuals. When starting, it's advisable to begin with short sessions to allow your body to acclimate to the practice. This approach helps prevent any potential discomfort or adverse reactions and allows you to gauge your body's response to grounding.

As you become more comfortable with the practice, you can gradually increase the amount of time spent grounding. Some individuals find that brief daily sessions of 15 to 30 minutes are sufficient to experience benefits such as reduced inflammation, improved sleep, and enhanced overall well-being. For others, longer sessions or even continuous grounding throughout the day may be more beneficial.

The flexibility of grounding practices allows you to tailor it to your specific needs and lifestyle. Some people incorporate grounding mats or sheets into their daily routine, using them while working, sleeping, or relaxing at home. These tools provide a convenient way to maintain consistent contact with the Earth's surface, helping to sustain the benefits of grounding over time.

It's important to listen to your body and adjust the duration and frequency of grounding sessions based on how you feel. If you notice positive changes in your health and well-being, you might choose to extend your grounding practices. Conversely, if you experience any discomfort or no noticeable benefits, you may opt to reduce the duration or try different grounding methods.

Incorporating grounding into your daily routine can be as simple as walking barefoot on grass, soil, or sand, or using grounding products designed for indoor use. Regardless of the method, the key is to find a balance that works for you and fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Can I use grounding mats with a grounding rod instead of an outlet?

Yes, grounding mats can be connected to a grounding rod placed in the Earth, providing a direct pathway for the body to connect with the Earth's natural electric charge. This setup is particularly useful for those who may not have easy access to natural surfaces like grass, soil, or sand, especially in urban environments.

When using a grounding mat with a grounding rod, it's essential to ensure proper installation to maximize safety and effectiveness. Start by selecting a high-quality grounding rod made of conductive materials such as copper or stainless steel. These rods are designed to be inserted into the ground, where they can make direct contact with the Earth's conductive surface.

The grounding rod should be placed in a location where it can maintain constant contact with moist soil, as dry soil can impede conductivity. Ideally, insert the rod into a shaded area to keep the soil around it consistently moist. Avoid placing the rod near electrical systems or utilities to minimize the risk of interference or safety hazards.

Once the grounding rod is securely placed in the Earth, connect it to your grounding mat using a conductive wire specifically designed for grounding purposes. Ensure that the wire is properly insulated and long enough to reach from the rod to the mat without creating tension or potential trip hazards.

It's crucial to verify that all connections are secure and free from damage. Periodically inspect the setup to ensure the rod remains firmly in place and that the wire and mat connections are intact. Proper maintenance of your grounding system can help sustain its effectiveness and longevity.

Can I use grounding mats with shoes on?

Grounding works best when you have direct skin contact with the mat. The conductive materials in grounding mats are designed to transfer the Earth's natural electric charge directly to your body, which is most effective when there is no barrier between your skin and the mat. This direct contact allows for the efficient flow of electrons, helping to balance the body's electrical environment and promote various health benefits.

Using grounding mats with shoes on can significantly diminish their effectiveness. Most shoes, especially those with rubber or synthetic soles, act as insulators and prevent the transfer of electrical charge. This insulation interrupts the connection between your body and the Earth's surface, reducing the grounding mat's ability to deliver its full benefits. To maximize the effectiveness of grounding, it is recommended to remove shoes, socks, or any other barriers that might impede direct skin contact with the mat.

For those who prefer to use grounding mats while seated or lying down, ensuring that your feet, hands, or any other part of your body maintains direct contact with the mat is crucial. This direct connection is necessary to experience the full range of grounding benefits, such as improved sleep, reduced inflammation, and enhanced overall well-being.

Moreover, some grounding mats are designed with additional conductive accessories, such as wristbands or patches, to facilitate direct skin contact in various positions and activities. These accessories can be particularly useful for individuals who need to maintain grounding while working at a desk, sleeping, or performing other daily tasks.

Are there any contraindications for grounding mats?

People with certain medical conditions or those using medical devices should consult a healthcare professional before using grounding mats. This precaution is crucial to ensure safety and avoid any potential complications. While grounding is generally considered safe for most individuals, there are specific scenarios where professional medical advice is essential.

For instance, individuals with heart conditions or those using pacemakers or other implanted medical devices may be at risk of interference from the electrical currents involved in grounding. Consulting a healthcare provider can help determine if grounding is appropriate and safe, given their specific medical situation.

Similarly, individuals with severe chronic illnesses or compromised immune systems should seek medical guidance before starting grounding practices. While grounding has been reported to offer benefits such as reduced inflammation and improved immune response, it is vital to ensure that these benefits do not inadvertently cause harm or interact negatively with ongoing treatments.

Pregnant women should also consult their healthcare providers before using grounding mats. Although grounding can promote relaxation and reduce stress, it's essential to ensure that it is safe for both the mother and the developing fetus. A healthcare professional can provide personalized advice based on the individual's health status and pregnancy progression.

Moreover, people with skin conditions, such as open wounds, infections, or dermatitis, should exercise caution. Direct skin contact with a grounding mat could potentially aggravate these conditions or introduce new risks. A healthcare provider can offer guidance on how to safely use grounding mats, possibly recommending alternative methods or modifications to ensure safety.

For those undergoing treatments that involve the use of electronic medical equipment, such as electrotherapy or dialysis, professional medical advice is crucial. The electrical aspects of grounding could potentially interfere with the functioning of such equipment, making it essential to get a healthcare professional's opinion before incorporating grounding into their routine.

Final Word on Best Grounding Mats

In conclusion, grounding mats offer a convenient way to access the potential health benefits of grounding, supported by scientific research.

Whether you opt for feet mats, grounding keyboards, or mattress covers, integrating grounding into your daily routine may contribute to improved well-being and overall health in 2024 and beyond.  

Additionally, embracing natural grounding practices, such as walking barefoot on the Earth, can provide a complementary and invigorating connection to the Earth's energies. My experience with grounding mats has been transformative, and I encourage you to explore this wellness practice for yourself.